Enhancing heat transfer in rectangular solar air heater channels: a numerical exploration of multiple Boomerang-shaped roughness elements with variable gaps

In the current study, numerical investigations are carried out to enhance the convective heat transfer rate in a solar air heater embedded with multiple boomerang-shaped roughness. The boomerang roughness is attached to the absorber plate which is supplied with uniform heat flux. The boomerang roughness geometry is defined by the ratios of height to hydraulic diameter (e/Dh) at 0.09, pitch space to height (P/e) of 10.5 to 18, and the gap between the multiple boomerang arm (g) at 8.5 to 13.1 mm. These parameters are examined for turbulent flow conditions having Reynolds number (Re) ranging from 4000 to 22,000. Heat transfer and friction characteristics in the present work are defined and examined by nondimensional parameters Nusselt number (Nu) and friction factor (fr), respectively. The study compared Nusselt number and friction factor readings to measurements of a smooth channel under similar flow conditions. It compared friction and the Nusselt number coefficient to a smooth rectangular channel and a rough, purposely rough channel. The aim was to determine better heat transfer and reduced friction. The study found that the average Nusselt number (Nu/Nus) and convective heat movement were 3.39 times higher at g = 8.5 mm (θ = 90º) compared to g = 10.9 mm (θ = 80º) and 13.1 mm (θ = 70º) at p = 71. mm and Re = 22,000. The lowest Nu/Nus was 1.75 times for g = 13.1 mm and p = 71.3 mm at Re = 4000. Thinner boundary layers increased the average Nusselt number and convective heat transfer coefficients in systems with smaller gaps. The design model has a maximum THPP = 1.93 at a pitch space between roughness (p = 71.3 and P/e = 15.5, where e = 4.6 mm), gap (g = 8.5), and Re = 22,000.